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We, the investigators at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, want to learn if height and IQ (intelligence quotient) scores are improved by growth hormone (GH) treatment in children with chromosome 18 deletions and abnormal growth. Data from a previous study showed that growth hormone improved height in all children with 18q- and growth hormone deficiency. In addition, most of the study participants on growth hormone treatment showed an increase in IQ scores.

Arginine and Clonidine Stimulation Testing, Growth Factors Laboratory Testing, and Neuropsychological Testing was done 1st for eligibility and this group received GH (growth hormone) (Nutropin AQ) 0.3 mgs per kg per week (standard dosing for GH)immediately after randomization

Drug: Nutropin AQ

Growth Hormone (Nutropin AQ) treatment given to Group 1 immediately Growth Hormone (Nutropin AQ) treatment given to Group 2 after one year observation

Other Name: Growth Hormone (Nutropin AQ)

Procedure: Arginine and Clonidine Stimulation Testing

This testing was done to determine growth hormone status prior to starting treatment.

Procedure: Growth Factors Laboratory Testing

This involved assessment of growth factors such as IGF#1 before treatment was initiated.

Procedure: Neuropsychological Testing

This testing was done prior to treatment and at the end of treatment.

GH treatment delayed by one year

Arginine and Clonidine Stimulation Testing, Growth Factors Laboratory Testing, and Neuropsychological Testing was done first for eligibility and this group received growth hormone (Nutropin AQ) 0.3 mgs per kg per week (standard dosing for GH)after one year of observation

Procedure: Arginine and Clonidine Stimulation Testing

This testing was done to determine growth hormone status prior to starting treatment.

Procedure: Growth Factors Laboratory Testing

This involved assessment of growth factors such as IGF#1 before treatment was initiated.

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Ages Eligible for Study:

up to 18 Years (Child, Adult)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Diagnosis of chromosome 18 deletion (cytogenetics report)

Children with abnormal growth but who are not classically growth hormone deficient

Exclusion Criteria:

Children previously on growth hormone therapy

Contacts and Locations

Information from the National Library of Medicine

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00134420